Women In Military History

The 525th Military Police Battalion held a Women’s History Month observance, (Chapel)(Location) March 25. The observance honored women who contributed in shaping our nation’s military history dating from the early 1700s to the present.
Women throughout our nation have staked their claim in the pages of history books. Not only as civilians but in the military as well, dressing as men to defend our great nation, and giving their lives in the defense of it. Women, serving alongside their male counterparts, carved their way through history and left their undeniable mark on America and its’ people. “It’s truly an honor to speak on the contributions of women who have not only shaped our military, but also our nation,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Janet Harris, assigned to the 525th MP Bn. “Women, both uniformed and civilian, have served with distinction in every war our nation has fought. As you heard here today, long before women had the right to vote or own property, before America even existed, women were serving, facing danger, risking their lives, and even dressing up as men so they could serve.”
Women in the military continue to seek new historical prevalence with the opening of jobs that were once restricted to the male gender.
This chapter in women’s history is still in progress. “As we remember women who have shaped our nation and our military, we must remember it is the women who are currently serving that will write not only the next chapter of women’s history, but also our military’s history,” said Harris. “We must build on the progress of the trailblazers of the past and look to the limitless potential that lies
ahead.” Sgt. Erin Peppiatt, an MP with the 525th MP Bn., spoke on many women who served in all conflicts and wars that our nation has endured. Highlighting many women who fought for women’s rights in the military and shaping our military into what it is now. “There is no doubt in the future that women will play an increasing larger role in the defense of our nation’s freedoms,” said Peppiatt. The observance had Navy and Army personnel in attendance, and the audience was not limited to women only. Many male service members were in the crowd and were educated on the women who have helped shape history. They honored women individually as their military accomplishments helped change either the battles, wars they were fighting in or the way the military viewed women as a whole. “When we think of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, we no longer visualize only men,” said Harris. “We will remember the women who also dedicated their time, their talent and yes their very lives to protecting our great nation. Yes, we will remember.” March was declared Women’s History Month in a presidential proclamation on Feb. 29. International Women’s day was celebrated March 8. The proclamation states, “During Women’s History Month, we honor the countless women who sacrificed and strived to ensure all people have an equal shot at pursuing the American dream.” “We must carry the work of the women who came before us and ensure that our daughters have no limits on their dreams, no obstacles to their achievements and no remaining seals to shatter as we continue to serve the strength of our military and the strength of our great nation,” said Harris. “As a woman who has served the last twenty years, I would like to say that it has been an honor to serve a nation of true equality, a nation that values the strength of diversity, a nation that honors the contribution of all who serve. I look forward to what the next 20 years will bring.”